The video said yes. The NFL said the same. But Texans defensive end Antonio Smith defiantly said no.

Despite what appears to be clear proof that Smith wildly swung the helmet of Miami’s Richie Incognito at the Dolphins guard’s head during a preseason game last Saturday at Reliant Stadium, the veteran Texans player said Tuesday he plans to fight an expected three-game suspension and fine.

“Anybody would in this situation. I want to state my case,” said Smith, who could miss the Texans’ regular-season opener Sept. 9 at San Diego. “I’ve never had anything like this before. I’m surprised it included a regular-season game.”

As of Tuesday evening, the NFL still had not made Smith’s suspension official. He is expected to miss Sunday’s home preseason game against New Orleans, a preseason finale next Thursday against Dallas at Arlington and the game against the Chargers. Smith’s regular-season suspension would cost $352,941. He is set to make $6 million during the final year of his contract.

Incognito declined to discuss the incident in detail. He did turn to Twitter, though.

“Football is an intense game. Blood runs hot. … I’ve been there,” Incognito tweeted. “Emotions run high. People lost their cool. Thank God no one got hurt.”

Players have a history

Smith was fined $21,000 last season — reduced to $11,000 after an appeal — for kicking Incognito while both were on the ground after a play. Last Saturday, the duo became entangled while Incognito attacked Smith’s facemask. The Texans defender responded by ripping off Incognito’s helmet and nearly hitting him in the face with what could have been a career-changing blow.

Smith acknowledged swinging Incognito’s helmet. But the Texans player, who regularly wears a ninja mask during home pregame player introductions and has a ninja assassin-themed sack dance, said he intentionally swung away from Incognito, restraining himself at the last second.

“I didn’t swing it at him. … I caught myself,” said Smith, a 10-year veteran entering his fifth season with the Texans. “I did it out of frustration, but I brought the helmet back slow to my body so I wouldn’t hit him. I think the suspension is a little harsh, because I restrained myself.”

The Texans didn’t immediately comment after reports about Smith’s suspension. But running back Ben Tate — who is expected to start in place of an injured Arian Foster on Sunday — acknowledged what many Texans fans asserted while video footage of Smith’s helmet swing was replayed on TV and the Internet.

“Unfair treatment of Antonio,” Tate tweeted. “The league continues to let one of the known dirtiest players (Incognito) get away without even a slap on the wrist.”

If Smith’s suspension includes the regular-season opener at San Diego and his planned appeal isn’t upheld, a Texans defense already dealing with injuries at linebacker and missing veteran safety Ed Reed (hip) would be further limited. Tim Jamison or Jared Crick is expected to replace Smith, joining J.J. Watt, the 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, on the line.

Apologies to team, fans

“I want to apologize to the organization and the city of Houston for putting us in this situation,” said Smith, 31, who recorded a career-high seven sacks last season and played in all 16 regular-season games, starting 15. “The bottom line is the (NFL) handed down the suspension, and it hurts my team.”